Does your favorite specimen look a little less vibrant than usual? Trees, like any living thing, can fall victim to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections that threaten their health and beauty.
As the go-to crew for tree services in Draper, UT, we at Green Pointe Tree Care understand how to treat tree diseases and restore living landscapes to optimal condition. Learn about the most prevalent forms below.
1. Powdery Mildew
What’s that white, chalky substance covering your specimen’s leaves? If you can’t seem to scrape it off, it’s probably powdery mildew. Its spores thrive in humid, shady spots that don’t get a lot of airflow.
The good news is that an infection rarely poses serious risks unless ignored for years. Ample sunlight and airflow are the most effective cures; therefore, you’ll want to prune nearby plants and remove obstructions. Avoid overhead watering since drenched foliage can pave the way for fungal infections.
2. Tar Spot
Tar spot is a fungal disease that typically appears in late spring and early summer. If you have maple trees in your yard, keep an eye on them since they’re especially vulnerable. Raised block spots resembling tar blobs or yellowish blotches on leaves are telltale symptoms.
It’s normally just a cosmetic issue, but it can slightly stress a specimen when its foliage can’t fully photosynthesize or create food. Manage an infection by properly collecting and disposing of fallen leaves in the fall. A thorough tree care routine also does wonders.
3. Sooty Mold
Sooty mold gets its name from the black, velvety growth that develops on leaves. Scale or aphid insect infestations leave behind sticky honeydew, which attracts mold.
Do you want to learn how to treat tree diseases like sooty mold? Manage it by addressing the insect problem first.
4. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a disease characterized by the appearance of marked leaves and gradual loss of foliage over time. It’s fairly rare in Utah, as it thrives in high humidity; however, a rare period of prolonged rain can trigger its spread.
Leaf spot is rarely a major health concern. Treatments include disposing of infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and tackling sources of stress.
5. Black Knot
Do you have cherry, plum, or chokecherry trees gracing your garden? Watch out for black knot, which manifests as swollen and discolored branches. It starts as small, light brown growths that progress into knotting, coal-colored masses.
Black knot can cause severe branch dieback and girdling, so brush up on your pruning techniques. Trim away any infected twigs and branches at least four inches below visible knots. Properly dispose of the debris and clean your tools afterward with rubbing alcohol.
Get a Tree Disease Diagnosis in Draper
You may not have the luxury of time to learn how to treat tree disease. If you notice your favorite tree losing its luster, leave it to Green Pointe Tree Care.
Our specialists can assess the issue quickly and recommend the best course of action. We also offer soil health management services and other preventative treatments.
Contact us today or read our blog on common tree pest infestation signs.